An Ethernet controller or Ethernet card is a device which allows a computer to interface and communicate with other computers and access the Internet through an Ethernet cable. As with other peripheral computer devices, an Ethernet card requires software called a driver, to instruct the operating system as to use it. If your Ethernet card is not functioning properly, reinstalling both the physical card, and new driver software may resolve the problem.
Instructions
1. Turn off your computer and open the case with a screwdriver.
2. Locate your Ethernet card. It should be easy to identify, since you will be able to see the Ethernet port on the back of the case.
3. Reinstall the card. Pull the card out firmly, drawing it out of its slot with even pressure. Inspect the gold tipped connectors and the PCI slot for damage. You may wish to reinstall the card into a different PCI slot. Next push the card back into a PCI slot with firm even pressure. Finally close the computer case.
4. Uninstall the old driver software. To do this open the control panel, then the device manager, and locate your card under network adapters. Right click it, select properties, then the driver tab, and click "Uninstall."
5. Download and install updated Ethernet drivers. The manufacturer of your Ethernet card, or the manufacturer of your computer should have drivers available for free download. You should install a different driver than the one you uninstalled, since bad drivers are a likely cause of device failure.
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